Hacker Jargon

Definition - What does Hacker Jargon mean?

Hacker jargon refers to the terms used by different subcultures of computer hackers and programmers. This special vocabulary helps hackers hold places in the hacker community, express communal values and share experiences. Those who do not know the hacker jargon or slang are considered outsiders. Hacker jargon is used for communication, technical debate and just for fun.

Techopedia explains Hacker Jargon

Hacker jargon has been compiled by various tech communities and cultures, like ARPANET AI/LISP/PDP-10, Stanford AI Lab, MIT AI Lab and others. This collection, known as the "Jargon File," "jargon-1" or simply "the File," was created and compiled in 1975 by Raphael Finkel and later published by Guy Steele as "The Hacker’s Dictionary."

Like other languages, jargon helps connect group members and create shared experiences. The hacker culture is a large network of subcultures that share some roots, values and experiences, and the group has its own legendary heroes, myths, villains, dreams and taboos.